Engineering North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Marine Engineer Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median marine engineer salary in North Charleston, SC is $92,065 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$92,065
vs State Avg
+$5,815
vs National
$-4,845
Cost of Living
95%

Marine Engineer Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median marine engineer salary of $92,065, which is $5,815 above the South Carolina state average of $86,250. Compared to the national median of $96,910, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for marine engineers in North Charleston spans from $55,100 at the 10th percentile to $144,400 at the 90th percentile — a $89,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,750. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,750
$-7,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $55,100
25th Percentile $72,200
Median (50th) $92,065
75th Percentile $117,800
90th Percentile $144,400

Marine Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$101,756
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$96,910
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$89,157
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$87,219
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Marine Engineer in North Charleston

Education

Most marine engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. North Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in North Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open marine engineer positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Marine Engineer make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $92,065 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $55,100 (10th percentile) to $144,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,065, a marine engineer in North Charleston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
North Charleston's median marine engineer salary of $92,065 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $86,250. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a marine engineer salary of $92,065 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in North Charleston? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in North Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.